JTEDC Board deals with Wi-Fi, grant programs James Murr The Junction Eagle The Board of the Junction Texas Economic Development Corporation (JTEDC) met on June 4, and dealt with administrative matters and miscellaneous topics (e.g., free Wi-Fi access, awnings for businesses, and Downtown Revitalization Task Force activities). An executive session (closed to the public) was also held on economic development negotiations. The board voted to stop its work on providing free Wi-Fi access in the City Park because of concerns that such access could attract visitors away from businesses and also possibly attract undesirable elements to the park. The board did agree, however, to explore making a JTEDC grant available to local businesses to help provide free Wi-Fi access to customers. The board voted to consider a revision to its Advertising and Marketing Program, which provides grants of up to $2,500 for businesses to obtain funds for storefront improvements such as exterior painting, siding, landscaping and signage. The revision would make explicit that funds may also be used to purchase awnings. An opinion will be sought from the City Attorney to assess the question of liability if an awning were to fall. This matter will be addressed further at the board’s next regular meeting. Board member Sherry Hubbard provided a written report on the most recent meeting of the City’s Downtown Revitalization Task Force. Hubbard is the chair of the task force. Topics addressed included free Wi-Fi access for visitors to the community; improving signage to direct visitors to downtown businesses; and Chamber of Commerce tourism promotion activities, including efforts to preserve “our beautiful starry night skies”. Board member Carol Neiman provided an explanation of the Pioneers Youth Leadership Program, which is a “learning through action high school leadership program”. Its focus is on helping rural communities in Texas to stay strong by preparing the next generation of community leaders. The program has been successful in other communities (e.g., Leakey) and involves youth undertaking special projects to benefit the community. In doing so, leadership skills are developed. Neiman suggested it would be worthwhile to have this program in our community. Board member Alan Hartt is the JTEDC’s representative on the Junction Texas Tourism Board (JTTB). He updated the board on actions taken by the JTTB at its May 29 meeting. The JTTB is pursuing the purchase and installation of an automated touchscreen visitor kiosk outside of the McDonald’s near Interstate Highway 10. The JTEDC recently received a legal opinion that it may also fund such kiosks. The board continued its ongoing discussion about forming a Community Foundation, which involves creating a fund for “permanent charitable giving and community involvement”. The focus is now on inviting around 50 individuals to a meeting to discuss the foundation concept, including a presentation by Matt Lewis of the San Angelo Area Foundation. Forming this type of foundation is not part of the JTEDC’s charter, but, as individuals, some board members will pursue the possibility of having a foundation in the community. The board directed its executive director, Patricia Whitty, to explore what needs to be done to file for federal Section 501(c)(3) tax exempt status. According to board member Jean Jacoby, this status would permit, for example, a party to donate property to the JTEDC and derive a tax advantage by doing so. The JTEDC filed for this status in 1995, but did not complete the application process. The board scheduled its first workshop on the JTEDC’s fiscal year 2014 budget (October 1, 2013 – September 30, 2014) for June 24. The workshop will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the City Meeting Room. The workshops are open to the public. After returning from an executive session on economic development negotiations, no further discussion or action was taken by the board. In addition to Hartt, Hubbard, Jacoby and Neiman, other board members present for the meeting were Fred Bowers, Doug Haynes and Larry Maddux. Newly-elected mayor Raymond McDonald attended the meeting. The board holds its monthly meetings at 5:15 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month in the City Meeting Room at 102 N. 5th Street. Meetings are open to the public.
Posted on: Thu, 13 Jun 2013 14:24:22 +0000
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